Siggs & Co: Celebrating 30 Years of Supporting Farmers
In 1995, Siggs & Co was founded with a clear purpose: to provide practical, specialist advice that helps farmers thrive. Thirty years later, we remain proud to stand alongside farming families across Devon, Somerset, and the wider South West, offering guidance through changing policies, evolving markets and new environmental challenges.
Reaching this milestone is not just about longevity, but about the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the futures secured. As we reflect on three decades of agricultural consultancy, a few themes stand out.
From Local Roots to Global Experience
Although our base is in the Devon countryside, our work has taken us far beyond the West Country. Over the years, our consultants have worked in more than thirty countries, often in challenging circumstances. These experiences taught us resilience, adaptability and perspective.
What we learnt abroad has strengthened our ability to support UK farmers at home. Whether it was finding innovative ways to keep businesses running under difficult conditions, or seeing first-hand how others farm without subsidies, these insights have enriched the advice we provide to South West farming families navigating their own transitions.
Highlights Along the Way
Much of the satisfaction from thirty years in agriculture comes from people rather than policies. Working with family, colleagues and inspirational individuals across the globe has been central to the journey. Meeting professionals who overcame adversity has been both humbling and motivating.
Another highlight has been mentoring the next generation of managers. Watching young professionals grow in confidence, take on responsibility and shape businesses for the better has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
Equally important has been helping farming companies transform. Turning around businesses that depended on smallholder supply chains, and in doing so securing farmers’ futures, stands as a reminder of the impact that sound advice and determined action can have.
Challenges That Shaped Us
No thirty-year journey is without obstacles. From market volatility to political uncertainty, and from subsidy reforms to environmental pressures, the landscape of farming is rarely predictable.
Working in different parts of the world brought its own share of difficult moments. There were times when travel was risky and operations uncertain, but every challenge reinforced the importance of preparation, teamwork and calm decision-making. These experiences have shaped the steady, practical approach that characterises Siggs & Co today.
Memories That Still Raise a Smile
Alongside the serious work, there have been moments of humour. Travelling in unusual places sometimes called for unusual solutions. A pocketful of Chelsea keyrings bearing Didier Drogba’s name once proved surprisingly effective at easing passage through roadblocks in the Ivory Coast. And one 4th of July was celebrated not in America, but sipping mojitos in the Democratic Republic of Congo!
Looking Ahead to the Next 30 Years
Agriculture in the UK and beyond is entering a period of significant change. The phasing out of direct subsidies, the increasing importance of soil health, and the urgent need to farm sustainably all present challenges and opportunities.
At Siggs & Co, we are committed to guiding farmers through this next chapter. The focus will be on building resilience without subsidies, embracing regenerative agriculture, and ensuring farming businesses remain both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Some principles will continue to define our work:
• Supporting farmers with clear, practical advice tailored to their goals.
• Helping businesses adapt to change while protecting long-term viability.
• Building partnerships based on trust, collaboration and respect.
Thank You
Reaching thirty years would not have been possible without the clients, colleagues, partners and farming families who have shared the journey. To all who have placed their trust in Siggs & Co, we extend our heartfelt thanks.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward with optimism. The future of farming will be different from the past, but with collaboration, resilience and a positive mindset, it can be every bit as rewarding. Our commitment remains the same as it was in 1995: to help farmers thrive.
